A major upgrade is underway on the Commodore Barry Bridge as crews begin replacing its three-mile moveable concrete barrier with a modern steel system. The work, which began this week, is part of a broader $220 million rehabilitation project led by the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).
The barrier replacement is expected to take four to five weeks. Construction will occur overnight from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weeknights, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction on the five-lane span.
The project began on the New Jersey side and will progress westward toward Pennsylvania.
DRPA officials advise drivers to anticipate delays, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings when shore-bound traffic increases.
The new steel barrier is designed to improve safety and durability. It offers better crash protection with less deflection, decreases wear on the barrier transfer machine and enhances long-term performance.
The bridge will also receive deck repairs, repainting, and additional safety upgrades as part of the multi-year effort, scheduled for completion in early 2028.
The current concrete barrier was installed in the early 2000s. Before that, the bridge’s center lane remained open as a buffer between opposing traffic flows. The Commodore Barry Bridge connects Bridgeport in Gloucester County, New Jersey, to Chester in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, serving as a vital link across the Delaware River.
Source: CBS News, PhillyVoice.com
